Why Getting an ADHD/Autism Diagnosis Matters to Me.

For some, the idea of seeking a diagnosis for ADHD or autism as an adult might seem unnecessary or even redundant. They might ask, What difference will it make? For me, though, the journey is less about the label and more about understanding myself better. Whether or not I receive a diagnosis, this process will give me clarity and insight into who I am and why I experience the world the way I do.

Self-Awareness and Growth

A diagnosis has the potential to connect so many dots in my life. It could help me untangle the complexities of my experiences—separating what might be traits of ADHD or autism from what’s linked to my existing diagnoses, like OCD or my brain tumour. But even if the outcome is that I don’t have ADHD or autism, the process itself will still be valuable. It will give me tools to understand my behaviours better, my thought patterns, and the ways I engage with the world.

Self-awareness has always been important to me. I want to understand how I mask—when I hide parts of myself to fit in or meet expectations—and when I’m genuinely being my authentic self. This isn’t just about labelling behaviours; it’s about peeling back the layers and learning to live in a way that feels true to who I am. This past week in a lecture at a university I worked with students about my attempts to "fit in" when I was at uni and how I would spend huge amounts of money on Domino's pizza and give it away so that people would be my friends. I was so worried that who I was wasn't enough and looking back I think this has something to do with a potential Autism diagnosis.

Accepting My Whole Self

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to accept the disabilities and diagnoses that shape my life. I’ve come to terms with the impact of my brain tumour, OCD, and learning disability (short-term working memory), and I’ve grown to embrace these aspects of who I am. If ADHD or autism is part of this picture, it will inevitably influence how I understand and make sense of these other aspects of my identity.

It’s not about seeking a label—it’s about finding clarity. If there is more to my story, acknowledging it will help me move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion. And if there isn’t, the process of exploring this possibility will still leave me with a richer understanding of myself and my needs.

Why It’s Worth It

When people ask me, What difference will it make? my answer is this: understanding changes everything. It’s not about changing who I am but about giving myself the knowledge and tools to live more fully as myself.

Whether or not I receive a diagnosis, I know this journey will help me untangle the threads of my identity and make sense of my past experiences. It will help me advocate for my needs and make choices that align with who I am. Ultimately, this process is about empowerment—giving myself permission to explore, learn, and grow in my understanding of me.